Padel People will launch its latest facility at Unit 1, Evercreech, Shepton Mallet (BA4 6LX) in September, ahead of a public Grand Opening Day on Saturday 18 October from 10am to 6pm. The event will include exhibition matches, mix-ins and opportunities for visitors to pick up a racket and have a go.

The centre will feature three doubles courts and one singles court, with a social space and vending machines offering rackets, balls, snacks and drinks. Court hire starts from £12 for off-peak singles and £20 for off-peak doubles — rates the company says are significantly lower than many comparable venues.

George Sandbach, founder of Padel People, said: "We're thrilled to be expanding into Somerset and bringing padel to the Shepton Mallet community. Our mission has always been to make padel welcoming and accessible to players of all ages and abilities."

Padel, often described as a mix between tennis and squash, is played on an enclosed court around one-third the size of a tennis court. The sport has seen rapid growth across Europe and is now one of the fastest-growing racket sports in the UK.

The Evercreech facility will offer all-weather indoor courts, equipment hire, flexible booking via the Playtomic app, and community WhatsApp groups to help players connect.

James Rock, co-founder and former British Pro Singles champion, said: "We're not backed by external investors, which means we can offer more flexible and affordable options to our playing community. Every decision we make is focused on creating the best possible experience for our players."

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